Elk Grove Teens Win $1,000 Kohl's Scholarships

Two Elk Grove teens received scholarships from Kohl’s Department Stores for their outstanding service to the community, qualifying them for national prizes.

Madison Zenker, 12, and 18 year-old DeAndre Bennett each received $1,000 to put towards post-secondary education. They were among 200 regional-level winners chosen out of more than 35,000 nominees for the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program, according to a released statement.

Zenker, whose aunt died from cancer, created the non-profit Cases for Cheer that donates pillow cases to cancer treatment centers throughout northern California. So far, the charity has given out 840 pillow cases.

Bennett has put in more than 1,000 volunteer hours for a variety of charitable organizations, including serving as an Elk Grove city youth commissioner.

Zenker and Bennett are eligible to win one of 10 national scholarships. Winners of the $10,000 awards will be announced at the end of July.